pollutant

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pollutant" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to any substance that contaminates the environment, particularly air, water, or soil. Example: "The factory was fined for releasing a harmful pollutant into the river."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Mike Kilburn of Civic Exchange, a think-tank co-founded by Ms Loh, argues that what matters most is not the aggregate volume of a pollutant like nitrogen dioxide (NO2).

The Economist

Then, when snow or rain wash them onto an ice floe, they darken its surface and thus cause it to melt faster.Reducing soot (and also ozone, an industrial pollutant that acts as a greenhouse gas) would not stop the summer sea ice disappearing, but it might delay the process by a decade or two.

The Economist

Wrangling over carbon emissions is also quite likely to end up in the Supreme Court at some point, as the court has already accepted that carbon dioxide is a pollutant, and citizens will argue that federal and local governments have a duty to tackle its increase.

The Economist

Reprints Related items Europe's emissions-trading scheme: CompressedNov 30th 2006 Organic clothing: How green is your wardrobe?Nov 30th 2006 Monitoring the environment: The pulse of the planetNov 30th 2006The Supreme Court may give a mixed ruling, decreeing that carbon dioxide is indeed a pollutant, but one the EPA is free to ignore or regulate as it pleases.

The Economist

Second, American power companies are fearful that they will soon have to pay for one particular pollutant, carbon dioxide, as is starting to happen in other parts of the rich world.

The Economist

When Mr Verrilli argued that the agency need not analyse costs and benefits before deciding to curb a pollutant, Mr Kennedy raised an eyebrow.

The Economist

Another complication arises from the relationship between carbon dioxide (CO2), the principal greenhouse gas (GHG), and sulphur dioxide (SO2), a common pollutant.

The Economist

One consequence is a lot of caffeine-rich waste which cannot be thrown away willy-nilly because caffeine is a pollutant.

The Economist

The simplest, and easiest to bolt on to existing plants, treats carbon dioxide like any other pollutant, and extracts it from the flue gas.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

On domestic action, his U-turn on CO2 regulation through a multi-pollutant strategy came as a blow not only to greens, but also to the group of leading utilities that had come to the government to ask for such an approach.

The Economist

But for the benefit of journalists who might not have been quite up to speed on the physiological details, the press release announcing the winners helpfully pointed out the connection between this discovery and the invention of Viagra.That nitric oxide a gas better known as a poisonous air pollutant is an important biological signalling molecule came as quite a shock.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing environmental regulations, clearly identify the specific "pollutant" being regulated to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify whether you are referring to carbon dioxide, particulate matter, or mercury.

Common error

Avoid using "pollutant" and "pollution" interchangeably. "Pollutant" refers to the substance causing harm, while "pollution" refers to the state of being contaminated. For example, "carbon dioxide is a pollutant that contributes to air pollution."

Linguistic Context

The word "pollutant" functions primarily as a noun, denoting a substance that contaminates or pollutes the environment. Ludwig AI confirms this usage, showcasing examples where "pollutant" is the subject or object of a sentence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Encyclopedias

37%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "pollutant" is a common noun used to describe a substance that contaminates the environment. Ludwig AI validates that the term is grammatically sound. Usage analysis reveals its frequent appearance in "News & Media" and "Encyclopedias", reflecting its relevance in discussions about environmental issues. When writing about pollutants, it is best practice to specify the particular "pollutant" in question, and to avoid using "pollutant" and "pollution" interchangeably. Alternatives like "contaminant" or "toxic substance" can be used depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

contaminant

A general term for something that contaminates.

contaminating agent

Focuses on the action of contamination rather than the substance itself.

hazardous substance

Emphasizes the potential danger or risk associated with the substance.

toxic waste

Specifically refers to waste materials that are poisonous or harmful.

environmental toxin

Highlights the negative impact on the environment.

poisonous material

Highlights the toxicity and potential to cause harm.

effluent

Describes liquid waste or sewage discharged into a river or the sea.

noxious substance

Implies a harmful or unpleasant substance.

environmental hazard

Highlights the danger presented to the environment.

emission

Focuses on the release of a substance, often harmful, into the environment.

FAQs

How is "pollutant" used in environmental science?

In environmental science, "pollutant" refers to any substance or energy introduced into the environment that has adverse effects. Examples include chemical substances, noise, and heat. The impact of a "pollutant" depends on its concentration, persistence, and the sensitivity of the ecosystem.

What are some common examples of pollutants?

Common examples of "pollutants" include carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, pesticides, and heavy metals. These substances can contaminate air, water, and soil, leading to various environmental and health problems.

What are the main sources of pollutants in urban areas?

In urban areas, the main sources of "pollutants" are typically vehicle emissions, industrial activities, construction sites, and waste management facilities. These sources release a variety of harmful substances into the environment, contributing to air and water pollution.

What can I say instead of "pollutant"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "contaminant", "toxic substance", or "hazardous material" to refer to a "pollutant".